Whirlwind

We just returned from a quick weekend trip to Michigan for my cousin Karen's wedding! My first week of school last week was horrible (to put it mildly), and not because of the kids. If I could have a "do over" of this past week, I would take it in a heartbeat. So, after an seriously crappy week, this weekend in Michigan was exactly what I needed!

We left Iowa right after school on Thursday (yes, I took Friday, the 3rd day of school off. And I loved it, and didn't think once about what chaos was possibly occurring in my classroom) and arrived at Uncle Tony and Aunt Jeane's house in Grand Haven about 1:30 am (MI time). J was an absolute trooper-- fell asleep about 9 pm, slept until we arrived at the house, and then went back to sleep pretty quickly in bed (okay, so he wouldn't sleep in his pack 'n' play that night, but at 2 am we did not care and put him in our bed-- he slept great, which was good for us all!).

Friday we hung out at Uncle Tony and Aunt Jeane's house on Lake Michigan-- it was just THE perfect, gorgeous day! Jeremiah played "Goldilocks" out on the deck, trying out all the different chairs:



I think he is ready to retire to Grand Haven, MI.

We were able to enjoy the beautiful day and relaxing atmosphere-- again, exactly what I needed!

Checking out the view of Lake Michigan.



After Jeremiah's nap, we took him down for a little bit of beach time. And it was worth every single step!





Here's a little video of Jeremiah frolicking on the beach (jut imagine "Chariots of Fire" playing in the background) and also trying to get Mindo the dog to give him five.

Saturday morning was Juan and Karen's wedding! I don't think they could have asked for a better day! The wedding was outside in Uncle Bill and Aunt Pat's backyard-- and it was just gorgeous.




Congratulations Juan and Karen-- we are SO happy for you two! :)

The reception was at a restaurant in Holland-- this was Jeremiah's first wedding reception (he did NOT attend the wedding)! He was SO excited!

Actually, he was SO tired. He zonked out 5 minutes from the restaurant, but stayed asleep through the transfer into the stroller and slept about 45 minutes (he woke up in time for his lunch!).

Awake, and ready to eat (with 3 spoons).... kind of.

He did get a little bit bored at times, so he played cars...

... and took time out to smile and wave to his favorite people-- my cousin Bob and his wife Lynda.



Weddings are awesome cause you get to eat CAKE!




That evening, we (us, my parents, Abby and Neil, Diekemas, Brassers) went to Fricano's for pizza! YUM!

Jeremiah agrees.

And after that, we hit Temptations for ice cream!

I'm tired... but give me more ice cream! You will all be happy to know that we gave J enough ice cream to cover his face, but not enough to warrant a 1 am trip to Meijer. Phew.

Jeremiah's favorite person (my cousin Bob), got his motorcycle out to show Jeremiah. J was intrigued! He couldn't take his eyes off that thing-- this is how he looked when the engine was revving:

Since Saturday night, J has been talking ALL about "Bob's cycle" and "Lynda helmet." And every time he sees a motorcycle on the road (which was quite often today), he starts all over again talking about "Bob's cycle" and "Lynda helmet." Obviously this was the highlight of J's weekend! :)

This morning we packed up our stuff and made the long trek back to Iowa (again, J was quite a trooper-- took 2 good naps in the car and watched a few "melmos"). I would have preferred to stay for a few more days, but instead it's back to reality. :(